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Subject Topic: Heki rooflight blowing open Post Reply Post New Topic
08/3/2012 at 7:39am
 Location: Crewe
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Topaz
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Has anyone else had a problem with their Heki 2 rooflight blowing open whilst towing their caravan in windy conditions. My rooflight blew open whist travelling in Norfolk last year in very windy conditions. The two internal toggle catches were completely smashed and missing resulting in motorists coming in the opposite direction waving franticly to tell me the rooflight was open. After returning home I rigged up a hook which fastened internally and kept the rooflight shut whilst travelling. This was very strong but yet again whilst travelling in very windy conditions recently it blew open again forcing the hook off. There appears to be a massive pressure build up under the acrylic dome whilst travelling at speed. This pressure made worse by heading into a strong wind. This is a design fault. Has this happened to anyone else?     


08/3/2012 at 9:50am
 Location: Near Alton Towers
 Outfit: Bailey Burgundy S7 H
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I seem to remember that there were a few instances of this happening before. From memory I think it was something to do with the rooflight being moved by the force of the wind, and the catches coming undone. I believe that they were beefed up on later models.

I also think that Michael either had similar issues or answers.

Dave



08/3/2012 at 11:48am
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
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i can not find the post now but remember it well.there has been a few cases of the large skylight blowing open in the past.reasons like not fastened correctly or catches broken or pulled off the catches and not breaking them.first thing to check is have they fitted the skylight the right way round ie.place the catches at the front and not the rear? not had a problem myself but intended to strengthen the fittings.mine is a remi.i have only seen one on the motorway with the skylight open coming in the opposite way to us,no way of warning them.can only recommend you buy the correct fitting and replace the broken ones.

-------------
the only silly question is the one you do not ask.


08/3/2012 at 8:47pm
 Location: N Wales
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 590GL
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I remember a couple of years ago seeing a couple of Bailey's that had just been delivered to the dealers.  They both had a batten of wood tie wraped to the heiki handles so that they couldn't spring open.  I bet that they didn't include that in the manual!!



08/3/2012 at 9:25pm
 Location: Crewe
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Topaz
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Thanks for the replies most appriciated.


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09/3/2012 at 10:16am
 Location: Near Alton Towers
 Outfit: Bailey Burgundy S7 H
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Quote: Originally posted by boff on 08/3/2012

 They both had a batten of wood tie wraped to the heiki handles so that they couldn't spring open. 


Maybe a short term fix for you Chris whilst we search for the original post and possible permanent answer.

Dave



10/3/2012 at 9:02pm
 Location: Near Alton Towers
 Outfit: Bailey Burgundy S7 H
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I eventually managed to find an article or two on this forum, there is a fair bit or reading involved, some 4 pages of discussions plus some links. They seem to refer to both Heki and Remis rooflights so I hope this helps. Are you sure the push button lock on thr catches is working correctly?

Dave



Post last edited on 10/03/2012 21:21:45


11/3/2012 at 8:42am
 Location: Crewe
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Topaz
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Dave,
     Read those articles thanks. Most retate to the whole skylight disappearing whilst my problem was the locked side catches breaking as if someone has stood on the roof with the strength of the Hulk and pulled the skylight open. The catches were working correctly, it is just that the sheer pressure of air built up under the acrylic dome has forced it open. There are possibly two factors that can have caused this. One the shape of the dome being convex like and airoplane wing producing lift and a design gap along the edge of the dome allowing air/wind to get under. I have now use a die to cut a thread on the button that was left and bolted on makeshift catches. If they dont work I will have to buy two new bracket/catch assemblies (or just get the wife to hold onto it as we travell).    


11/3/2012 at 1:11pm
 Location: Near Alton Towers
 Outfit: Bailey Burgundy S7 H
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How strange, if it was an inherent design flaw causing such force then loads of similar problems would uccur. I do agree that the plastic catches are a bit flimsy but generally they hold. How is the rooflight positioned, is it hinge to the front or hinge to the side like mine?

Has anybody else got a suggestion?

Dave



11/3/2012 at 2:53pm
 Location: Crewe
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Topaz
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Hinges at the front. I think the trouble was we were travelling into a strong wind at about 60 mph with wagons coming the other way at speed in the opposite lane and the combined forces were too much. However if there wasn't a gap around the edge of the rooflght between the rooflght and the caravan roof this coundn't happen.


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20/9/2017 at 7:53pm
 Location: Manchester
 Outfit: Swift Rio 340 2015
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Hi Guys
Mine kept blowing open so I've designed a catch that will hold it in the open positions. It works!
Anybody wanting details pls contact me on moho.bits at gmail.com



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